Determining wireless data rates capability for packet data communications

Abstract

A wireless device, system, and method that determines data rate capability for communicating packet data is described. The wireless device comprises a RF component, a controller, and a means for enabling communications. The RF component is configured to communicate a plurality of packet data at a first data rate capability and a second data rate capability, in which the second data rate is faster than the first data rate. The controller is communicatively coupled to RF component, and the controller is configured to monitor a physical layer data field value, a forward traffic channel data field value, and a reverse traffic channel data field value. The physical layer data field value is associated with the physical transmission of packets from the RF component. The forward traffic channel data field value is associated with forward channel communications, and the reverse traffic channel data field value that is associated with reverse channel communications. The means for enabling communications at the second data rate capability occurs when the physical layer data field value, the forward traffic channel data field value, and the reverse traffic channel data field value indicate that communications are supported for the second data rate capability.